MoUsigned between Sindh Board of Investment Govt of Sindh and USA based Princeton Environment Group

Sameer Nazir
KARACHI: A memo of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sindh Board of Investment (SBOI) Government of Sindh and USA based Princeton Environment Group “PEG” to generate the power / energy from municipal waste at Karachi.
The MoU was signed by Riaz-uddin Qureshi Director General Sindh Board of Investment (SBOI) government of Sindh and Mr. Peter Tien President of PEG at Chief Minister House Karachi this evening.
The Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qiam Ali Shah, Advisor to CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, Secretary Finance Sohail Rajput, Secretary to CM Alamudin Bullo, Administrator KMC Rauf Akhtar Siddique, Muhammad Murtaza Arain from Chicago USA, Muhammad Munir Akhter Chicago USA, Shan Ahmed Chicago USA and other delegates from USA officers of Sindh Government were present and witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MoU, revealed that Sindh Government intend to increase its regional power generation through indigenous resources and to reduce health risks in connection with waste treatment for population of the province.
The Sindh Government stepping ahead has signed MoU with USA based Technical group “PEG” for the development of waste of energy project(s), renewable energy project(s) and other infrastructure project(s).
Whereas the “PEG” having been expertise of solid waste power generation system expressed its interest for engineering, design and construction of waste energy projects as par intention of Government of Sindh. Both parties have been agreed to develop detail collaborations on said projects in the format of Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the benefit of the Sindh Government and its population.
Under the agreement, both parties will explore avenues to expand the scope of this MoU not only to support this project but also find out other projects.
Under the MoU, the Sindh Government shall facilitate “PEG” for visa assistance; provide land fill site, relevant documents and office support for conducting feasibility study.
Whereas “PEG” to initiate detailed feasibility study on required designs for power generation, utilization waste through thermal oxidation including stoker combustion and/ or gasification in the city of Karachi with no cast to government of Sindh.
In addition to that “PEG” to secure approval of fund listed by Government of Sindh on the China-Pakistan investment fund for total funding of this project.
After this process, the “PEG” shall act as engineering, procurement, construction and financing (EPCF) and to provide Government of Sindh up to 85% of the project cast at the interest rate to be negotiated.
All the works by “PEG” must be conducted in compliance with Pakistan industrial, business and environmental laws and regulations.
Talking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that Sindh Government will utilize all options and resources available to generate the power and to meet with prevailing power crises.
He said that in addition to generate the power from the indigenous resources, he was also taking more interest in the development of the Karachi. He said that shortage of power, transportation facilities were the important issues of Karachi as such his government was also focusing on the implementation on the KCR and BRT Projects.
He said that to generate the power from the waste would be a new and innovative experience and it will not only to help in cleanliness of city but provide power to the citizen as well.
The Chief Minister Sindh lauded the efforts of the Pakistani based USA nationals for taking interest in this project and rendering their unconditional services in this regard.
Muhammad Murtaza Arain from Chicago USA while talking on the occasion said that “PEG” has good experience and expertise in generating power from waste. He said that it has completed many such projects in other countries with success.
He said that the PEG will complete its feasibility report within three to four months. Whereas Sindh Government to provide full support and access of information and documentation to the PEG in the interest on the both sides.
He said that this project would pave the ways for other investment opportunities.

NNUAL URS OF SACHAL SARMAST STARTS FROM 13TH JULY

Sameer Nazir
KARACHI: Chief Administrator Auqaf Sindh has announced that the Annual Urs of famous saint of Sindh Hazrat Sachal Sarmast will be celebrated at Daraza Sharif from 14th to 16th of Ramazan 1435 Hijri according to 13th July to 15th July, 2014 as usual.
He further informed that, during the Annual Urs, the high ranking officers/dignities and the large number of zaireens are expected to visit//attend the urs celebration of great saint.